The shape takes inspiration from Mount Vesuvius, the volcano that towers over Naples and once buried Pompeii. A more modern creation, Vesuvio can be found in many shops where the volcano casts its shadow, but it’s rarer beyond.
Like all shapes in The Sporkful Collection, Vesuvio maximizes the three qualities by which Dan believes all pasta shapes should be judged:
Sauceability: How readily sauce adheres to the shape
Forkability: How easy it is to get the shape on your fork and keep it there
Toothsinkability: How satisfying it is to sink your teeth into it